The chairwoman of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), Annamarie Phelps, will resign from her place on the British Racing Affiliation’s board of administrators when her time period expires on the finish of Could this yr.
Joe Summers-Smith, the BHA’s present impartial non-executive director, will assume momentary accountability till his time period on the Board of Administrators expires in September 2023.
Phelps, a former Olympic rower and present vice-chairman of the British Olympic Committee, took over the place with the British Medical Affiliation in June 2019.
“After discussions with the BHA Board of Administrators, I’ve determined to not lengthen my time as President of the BHA Affiliation past the top of the present time period,” she mentioned in an announcement.
“It is a essential time for racing, with the restoration from the pandemic and the approaching publication of the White Paper to evaluation playing legislation, each nonetheless on the sporting agenda.
“A evaluation of the BHA’s mission can be underway, which can make sure that the BHA is future-proof, environment friendly and has enough sources to fulfill the wants of racing.”
Phelps was chargeable for appointing present BHA CEO Julie Harrington
Phelps continued: “It has been an important privilege to guide the BHA by means of such a difficult interval for the sports activities sector, and to have a unbelievable CEO appointment at Julie Harrington. I’m very happy with what racing has collectively achieved right now.
“I wish to thank the unimaginable BHA staff for navigating the pandemic and for protecting the present on the highway behind the scenes, a task that’s not often acknowledged. It’s an unimaginable feat that no matches had been misplaced to Covid as soon as the British race turned the winner. The primary main sport to renew but Preliminary closing of 2020.
“I wish to thank all those that have welcomed and supported me over the previous three years, notably the racetracks, coaches, homeowners, jockeys, secure workers and breeders who’ve shared their visions, aspirations and opinions, each right here and overseas. I cherished the folks, the racing and particularly the horses.”
Summers Smith, CEO of Sports activities Gaming Restricted and Head of Recreation Methods Group at British Racing, mentioned: “On behalf of the BHA Board of Administrators, I wish to specific my due to Annamarie, who has introduced a broad perspective from different sports activities to the BHA board’s agenda.
“Throughout her tenure as Chair, she has laid the muse for vital change within the trade in numerous areas, serving to us navigate a collection of difficult points, not the least of that are the coronavirus pandemic and BHA governance.
“Agreeing on numerous core governance rules is prone to be a defining second for the trade. I sit up for persevering with to work with Annamarie till the top of her time period.”
